Greg Hardy Has Not Learned His Lesson

Before deciding to provide my two-cents as a PR and #Crisis professional - I paused to process what appears to be the next page/chapter of the Greg Hardy domestic violence ordeal being his recent @ESPN interview. When I saw the teases of what was discussed, I was in awe. My first moment of shock occurred when I saw,, what he had on. I call this the "visual voice". You mean to tell me that the first, real time, you decide to sit down (and, I will give my opinion on the timing of it all shortly) to discuss this serious issue, you believe wearing a skull cap, sweatpants and sneakers is appropriate? Mr. Hardy, I am beyond shocked that your reps, counsel, anyone, did not advise and/or force you to dress appropriately - a suit and tie. Your "visual voice" showed the lack of seriousness you had/have for a situation that has possibly ended your @NFL career.

After getting pass his "visual voice", I actually paid attention to the words coming out of his mouth. Not once in this interview or any previous mentions concerning this situation have I heard or seen sincere remorse. Not once has he, I guess now, without incriminating himself, expressed personal responsibility for how things ended that night with his then-girlfriend, Ms. Holder. Not to my knowledge has he acknowledged that the ordeal has made him take a serious look in the mirror for personal growth and improvement.

It's great that you are about to graduate college. I applaud you and any other professional athlete, who left school early to pursue their professional athletic dreams, that decides to return to complete their college education. However, that doesn't help you to learn/heal/grow from and, even teach from what has you where you are right now. Unemployed.

So, Mr. Hardy, what have you done to take a very serious moment in your life and have it become a teachable one for yourself as well as other men and women? Have you done any volunteer work for a domestic violence organization? Have you apologized to your former-girlfriend for what you did do to her that evening? Have you spoken to young men, those aspiring to become a professional athlete or not about learning from your mistakes? Have you spoken to young girls/women on what behavior they should and should not accept from young boys/men? I have said and continue to say, you don't have to learn a lesson first hand. Pay attention to the mistakes made by others and learn their lesson with them. Allow this situation to provide a platform for you to teach from.

Lastly, the timing of the interview...Hardy has only now sat down to speak, trying to reshape his image after becoming a free agent and with no known bites from any NFL team. All of this speaks volumes.

Hardy ESPN Interview

The Cycle Can Stop: For the sake of future athletes (@NFL and beyond)

This recent arrest of another @NFL Player TE Fred Davis Arrested and Charged with DWI causes me to deeply inhale with continued sadness and concern. As I viewed the discussion on @CNN and assume was reported on most national news networks this morning, the NFL has a continued brand problem that they don't seem to be able to tackle (pun intended).

In a tweet exchange with @AndyScholesCNN about what the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell could do to manage 360 players, my response was in a nutshell - tighten up the point of entry with stricter expectations upfront. It's not about "babysitting 360 players" as Scholes put it, rather it's about owning the full responsibility of 360 degree management of the players with more intentionality (on and off season). It's also about placing more energy around the players' reps and their off-the-field team. Now, I am definitely not saying that reps, agents, extended off-the-field team should "babysit" players. I am also not saying that they aren't taking their jobs seriously. However, we can all agree that something is broken. There is a pattern forming and strengthening. Something needs to change, in my opinion, it's at point of entry, to ensure expectations are set. What better time then #NFLCombine weekend?

In the past, I have blogged in response to the latest news of what's happened to an athlete. Instead of trying to create new words to address this old problem, I close out this blog with words from the past.

(Originally posted 10-05-10 about Panthers cutting WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest.)

As I have stated in previous posts, although an athlete has talent and money, they still do not possess maturity, common sense or life experience. Their life since Pop Warner has been sports...period. And, their life after being drafted is sports. They have not had a chance to live, grow, make mistakes, process....all the basic things teenagers and young adults are able to do in the world. So, when they enter the ADULT world of sports, the expectation that is placed on them is unfair.
When their parents hand them over to their sports agents there should be an understanding that the sports agents don't just help brocker the best financial deal for them with the best team. The sports agent must now take on the responsibility of mentoring, monitoring and managing the off-the-field behavior of the athlete. 

Sports agents need to mentor their clients; guide them through all things that come with taking on this adult responsibility called "Pro Athlete". Sports agents need to monitor their clients; make sure they are acting responsible and being a good steward over all they have. And, sports agents need to manage their clients. Now, the latter is done to a degree, but not completely. In managing your client you are bringing in the RIGHT people to help ensure the client's brand is not just secured, but enhanced and ever evolving. All of this helps the sports agent at the negotiating table walk away with more money. 

But, what happens more than not is they see the athletes as a check...period. There is no concern or little concern of the athlete's well-being...no proactive action taken to ensure that, if nothing else, their check is safe and a constant, by putting in place the right elements to guarantee success.

So, today, I would like to ask the question, when will a portion of the blame for the missteps of these young athletes begin to be placed on the sports agents? When will they be held responsible for some of the drama that seems to be getting worse within professional athletes' off-the-field/court actions?

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

Okay, I am so sorry that Dwayne Jarrett was released today by the Panthers. The 23 year old looked to have a promising career....and, he still might. But, right now as I type he is unemployed. The question is, "should he be?" The answer is, "no, he should not be."

As I have stated in previous posts, although an athlete has talent and money, they still do not possess maturity, common sense or life experience. Their life since Pop Warner has been sports...period. And, their life after being drafted is sports. They have not had a chance to live, grow, make mistakes, process....all the basic things teenagers and young adults are able to do in the world. So, when they enter the ADULT world of sports, the expectation that is placed on them is unfair.

When their parents hand them over to their sports agents there should be an understanding that the sports agents don't just help brocker the best financial deal for them with the best team. The sports agent must now take on the responsibility of mentoring, monitoring and managing the off-the-field behavior of the athlete.

Sports agents need to mentor their clients; guide them through all things that come with taking on this adult responsibility called "Pro Athlete". Sports agents need to monitor their clients; make sure they are acting responsible and being a good steward over all they have. And, sports agents need to manage their clients. Now, the latter is done to a degree, but not completely. In managing your client you are bringing in the RIGHT people to help ensure the client's brand is not just secured, but enhanced and ever evolving. All of this helps the sports agent at the negotiating table walk away with more money.

But, what happens more than not is they see the athletes as a check...period. There is no concern or little concern of the athlete's well-being...no proactive action taken to ensure that, if nothing else, their check is safe and a constant, by putting in place the right elements to guarantee success.

So, today, I would like to ask the question, when will a portion of the blame for the missteps of these young athletes begin to be placed on the sports agents? When will they be held responsible for some of the drama that seems to be getting worse within professional athletes' off-the-field/court actions?

These KIDS need help. They do not need someone else in their pockets and being a "yes person". Rather, they need someone who will give them sound advice, direction, assistance and support.

Am I alone in this form of thinking or what?

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

Reebok: No agreement was in place with Patriots LB Brandon Spikes

The Playbook Commentary:

Here we go again? Why do a sex tape EVER? When has sex tapes become the norm? Thank you Paris, Kim K, Ray J., etc. for helping create this new culture of sex tape equating to financial success and celebrity status. Because of this folks are not thinking clear. This is a society of instant success/fame/fortune.

What was Spikes' rationale for doing a sex tape pre-NFL or ever? If your plan was to be in the NFL why do anything that might hurt that? Take a page out of Vick, Roethlisberger, Burress' playbook of life and learn from them. Keep your focus on the field and not get distracted by off the field drama. Who encourages you or stands by allowing you to do such a thing?

Did your agent EVER sit you down and tell you what you should and should not do moving forward in your career? I am so tired of folks not being proactive in their approach with these players. Stop trying to clean up mess that could easily be avoided.

And, lets not make this Reebok's problem. They are not the story....it's Spikes problem along with the Patriots and NFL.

Come on man....you have a chance that many young men dream of having...and now it's stalled before it even gets started.

Now, you can recover from this hiccup. The question is, what's next?
___________________________________

Story in The Huddle by Sean Leahy:

Reebok spokesman Dan Sarro said Thursday that the company was never close to a contractual relationship with New England Patriots LB Brandon Spikes.

Spikes' agent, Terry Watson, told several outlets that news of a sex tape involving Spikes had prompted Reebok to pull out of a potential marketing relationship. Sarro said in an e-mail that the relationship never got that far:

"The media reports that Reebok has terminated an endorsement contract with Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes are completely false. Reebok never had a deal with Brandon. The story was reported without confirmation from Reebok, and as a result inaccurate information is now being reported as fact. We had discussions with Brandon earlier this summer, as we do with many NFL players, but no agreement has been reached and he is not currently under contract with Reebok."

Watson said this week that Spikes is embarrassed by the news of the sex tape, which he said occurred prior to the time the Patriots drafted him in the second round of April's draft.

-- Sean Leahy

Almost 80 Percent of NFL Players Nearly Bankrupt, 60 Percent of NBA Ballers? Why?

The Playbook Commentary:
This piece speaks directly to why MWPR created The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative. The objective is to put a stop to this sad cycle of talented athletes living post-professional lives as bad off as they were before they inked their first professional deal.

Bishop Jakes stated in a sermon entitled, "Rags to Riches", that sometimes our gifts take us to places we are not properly equipped to handle. This is most realized in the world of professional sports. Young-gifted student athletes are dropped into the adult world of professional sports because of their talent way before they are mentally prepared to handle the responsibilities that come along with the opportunity. And, no one is taking the time to educate them through the process because everyone is out for what they can gain immediately from the opportunity. There is no long-term thinking, just right now gratification. When will this ugly cycle end?

As I have said before student-athletes are being pimped (by parents, friends, coaches, schools, agents, advertisers, media, professional organizations, etc.), not nurtured. And, we as a society need to become better stewards over the our future leaders, influencers, heads of households, decision-makers, etc. or we are in for a scary new reality. The cycle must be broken.

Almost 80 Percent of NFL Players Nearly Bankrupt, 60 Percent of NBA Ballers? Why?
Source: RO/rollingout.com

The fact that most professional athletes from the three major sports become completely broke and deep in debt after retirement continues to confound the public and sports pundits alike.

It's not like today's players aren’t aware of the many horror stories of players of yesteryear who, because of their lack of job skills, injuries and bad financial dealings, become nearly destitute. Yet, nearly 80 percent of players in the National Football League are hovering near or are in bankruptcy just two years after retiring from the game. And in the NBA, 60 percent of its players are broke within five years of retirement.

Sports Illustrated contributes the financial decline to several key factors: ignorance of business, which leads to faulty investments; conspicuous consumption during their playing days that continues after their playing days are over; divorces, which forces them to pay out exorbitant child support and alimony payments while no longer making the same money; and poor financial planning — or better yet, no financial planning — which prevents them from instituting some reasonable budgetary constraints on themselves and their inner circle, particularly their spouses.

Here are some of the most notable cases of financial blunders in recent years:

Latrell "I can't Feed My Family" Sprewell: NBA fans will never, ever forget how a washed-up, past his prime Latrell Sprewell turned his nose up at a $21 million contract because he said it was hardly enough money to "feed [his] family.” It would’ve come in handy today, because of all of the $96 million Sprewell made during his career, he has none of it left. He also lost his $1.5 million dollar Italian yacht, named "Milwaukee’s Best," in 2007. His $5.4 million house went into foreclosure in May 2008.

Scottie Pippen: Former Chicago Bulls star and Michael Jordan's famous on-court partner, Scottie Pippen lost $120 million in career earnings due to poor financial planning and bad business ideas. Arguably the greatest and most-well known sidekick in NBA history blew $27 million on bad investments and spent $4.3 million on a Gulfstream II corporate jet. He does have six NBA title rings though.

Evander Holyfield: This heavyweight could be sued for false advertising. That's because the four-time boxing champ, known as "The Real Deal,” apparently never knew how to actually make a deal. He reportedly made over $250 million in cash during his boxing career, yet he’s flat broke--and missing a chunk of his ear. Usually, buying a home is one of the smartest investments. But Holyfield bought a $20 million house with over 54,000 square feet and 109 rooms. The house has 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a movie theater, a bowling alley and an Olympic-size swimming pool. And let's not even mention all those child support payments.

Mike Tyson: Despite his career catastrophes, “Iron Mike” remains an immensely popular personality. At his apex, Tyson had $400 million. He dropped half a million dollars on a 420-horsepower Bentley Continental SC with lamb’s wool rugs, a phone and a removable glass roof. It’s one of only 73 Bentley Continental SCs ever built. He spent over $4.5 million on cars alone. Throw in a $2 million bathtub and $140,000 for two Bengal tigers and you can see why Tyson’s fortune is down for the count. –terry shropshire

The Playbook Commentary: The State of Professional Athletes

It has been a minute since I posted The Playbook Commentary. I don't know if it's because the PR biz has had me busy, as much as it seems like the state of pro athletes and sports in general has been non-stop crazy....too much to talk about.

But, with the recent incident with Gilbert Arenas, I HAD to come back on the scene and say something.

I read somewhere the comment that Arenas has "shot himself in the foot". And, I have to agree. It is amazing that after being in the NBA for as long as he has now, Arenas has not heeded the warnings offered up by the unfortunate incidents experienced and lessons learned from his fellow colleagues in the NBA and professional sports all together.

Come on man, guns in the locker room? Yes, you are a target, so to speak. And, I can understand you feeling like you have to protect yourself from the crazies out there who will try you. But, that's why you pay the big bucks to get personal bodyguards and should depend on the NBA team security to watch your back. However, IF you still believe you need to protect yourself....you DON'T pull the weapon out on a fellow colleague in the locker room. Come on.

As my pastor in Baltimore has said over the years, "Commonsense is not common to everyone." CLEARLY!

Although, I place some ownership of blame on Arenas and other players for the actions they take, I really place blame on the organizations they represent. If they would take their attention off of milking these players for the immediate monetary gain, they would be able to see that a serious issue exists that needs to be addressed now, before this small hole becomes a bottomless pit. Think strategically. Think proactively. Think productively....today. And, tomorrow will take care of itself.

We continue to live in a reactionary state. No one plans for tomorrow, they just allow tomorrow to control their next move.....not good. As owner of a PR firm that specializes in crisis/reputation management, I have been very busy as of late. Not a good thing for the clients, but I can't complain as the recipient. The first thing I have shared with each client and in each situation is its time out for reactionary living and time for proactive living.

What are your long-term goals? How do you plan on achieving them? What will you do today to start? If you are focused on your long-term goals, you will find it hard to get into short-term trouble. I say that because you will take a second pause before you make a move that is more reactionary in nature than proactive and productive.

But, because life does happen and we are all human, when or if you should ever find yourself in a "crisis" two things can save you. First, your previous proactive actions will serve as your brand foundation; it will cushion the negative blow. Let me give you an example. I use to work for an international PR firm as AGS on the world's most recognized consumer brand. This brand was big on "giving back". They were in the communities in which they did business. And, because of the sincere relationships established, they built brand loyalty. So, if and when, because life does happen, a bad thing would occur, it never turned into a major blow for them. The community never turned their back on them. Why? Because the foundation had been formed.

That is being PROactive in a reactionary world. They have always focused on their long-term goals, "giving back"; making a positive impact; affording opportunities; building their business; generating revenue; etc. So, even when short-term trouble comes up, it doesn't break their brand...just slightly and temporarily tarnishes it.

Can we say the same for folks like Arenas, Tiger and others? First, their brand foundation is not solid. Then on top of it, their arrogance, ignorance and poor advisory causes their reaction to be inadequate, ineffective and even damaging.

I am all about "doing you". It is your life, lead it the way you so choose. However, to be clear, when you are a professional athlete, your five senses, discerning spirit, inner circle and bottomline COMMON sense all need to be sharper than the regular person.

It's time to teach the next generation of "aspiring" professional athletes that you cannot have it both ways....have all the glory, attention and fame of a celebrity but, still believ you can and should be able to act like Joe Blow common man whose business will be less likely to make the morning news. That is not reality.

There is a responsibility that comes with your opportunity.

The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative continues to bring productive, positive, purpose-driven, proactive solutions to the real-life needs that occur in the natural life-cycle of an athlete..."a positive personal life = professional success".

We officially introduced it in 2009 at retired NFL Player Keion Carpenter and Pro Bowler Antonio Freeman's C4C Football Camp in Maryland. 2010 we are taking it to the next level....it is time.

Stay tuned for The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative Blog, Curriculum and Schedule.

It's time for PROactive living in 2010!

The Playbook Case Study:Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com

The Playbook Commentary:

It has been a minute since I have had a commentary on any player's misconduct. Truthfully, its because I felt like I was sounding like a broken record. And, then there was "seemingly" a lull in the missteps.

Now, I will say that on FB and Twitter, I have given my two cents on the hypocritical comments folks have made concerning Vick since he has been released. Net/net on that is...how dare anyone say that he doesn't deserve forgiveness or deserve to play football again. "Don't cast a stone, if you are not ready to receive one back." He made a horrendous mistake...poor judgement and paid for it, royally. To say he is not forgiven is to say his life might as well be over. And, what does that say about rehibilitation? What does that say to ANYONE who has made a mistake in life? Give, what you want to get.

Now, to this story...Randy Starks is an idiot. Period. There are mistakes and then there are mistakes. I want to say that this was common sense. But, as my pastor often says, "common sense is not common to everyone." OBVIOUSLY!

You load up a truck with 10 folks more than it is built for; drive with someone ON your lap; and, apparently, you drive it without legal tags. What is that about? Where is his agent? Who has his back? I know, all the things I have been saying all along. But, it is true. At least your "friends" should have your best interests at heart; even if it's for selfish reasons, like enjoying the constant hook up and benefits of being a part of the "lifestyle". Well, if you go along with the crazy ride and your boy gets in stupid trouble....your "lifestlye" is instantly over.

Come on people. Work with me. We all make mistakes...Lord knows I have, but when do we stop making the out this world ones?

Ask yourself the million dollar question, "Was it worth it?"

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Miami Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks was arrested early Sunday after police said he struck an officer with a slow-moving Freightliner truck, according to a police report.

Starks, 25, faces a charge of aggravated battery, according to the report.The arrest took place about 12:20 a.m. in Miami's South Beach area. Officers said they saw the Freightliner truck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on South Beach's Ocean Drive with some 13 people inside, including a woman sitting on the lap of Starks, who was driving.

The truck's seating capacity is four occupants, the police report said. It was not clear from the police report whether the Freightliner -- normally part of a tractor-trailer -- was connected to a trailer.

In the report, the officer recalled pursuing the truck on foot for about a half-block and pounding on the rear driver's-side window, but it kept moving. The officer caught up to the truck again, and it stopped after the officer pounded on the window again, the report said.

"I slowly approached the side door and just as I reached it the vehicle accelerated and started moving forward and slightly to the left," the unidentified officer writes in the report. "The vehicle's path caused the driver's side of the vehicle to strike me in the chest pushing me back and pinning me against a vehicle stopped in traffic in the northbound lane."

Meanwhile, a second officer was pounding on the passenger's-side window, the report said. The truck stopped and Starks was arrested.

A police check showed that the truck's license plate was not assigned to that vehicle, the report said, and Starks faces a charge for that as well.

Starks was released from jail later Sunday, according to a records check. The Miami Herald newspaper reported earlier he was jailed on $10,000 bond.

Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene told CNN the club was "only recently made aware of the situation. Since we are in the process of gathering information we have no comment."

Starks is in his sixth NFL season and his second with the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com

The Playbook Case Study: NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com

(CNN) -- Authorities charged Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth with DUI manslaughter related to a fatal car accident last month, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade County state attorney's office said Wednesday.

Ed Griffith said authorities allege Stallworth, 28, was driving under the influence last month in Miami, Florida, when he was involved in a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian.

NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com